 "What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?")
Coronavirus
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The Coronavirus outbreak (officially known as Covid-19), which started in China, has so far killed 6,311,923 people across the globe and infected 532,022,757 (as on May 31, 2022). The virus has spread to 228 countries. In India, 43,158,087 confirmed cases and 524,630 deaths have been reported so far, according to official figures released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). To check the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, or Covid-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced nationwide lockdown till May, meaning the country's 1.3 billion citizens — except those engaged in providing essential services — would not...
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Latest Updates on Coronavirus
Omicron RF.5 variant detected in four Covid-19 samples in Andhra Pradesh
Genome sequencing of four Covid-19 samples from Kadapa confirmed the RF.5 Omicron sub-lineage, with the state saying there is no cause for panic and hospitals remain prepared
 "Omicron RF.5 variant detected in four Covid-19 samples in Andhra Pradesh")
Andhra sees 12 Covid cases, 4 deaths since June 26; NIV to identify variant
Health authorities said infections are spread across multiple districts with no evidence of localised transmission, while five samples have been sent to NIV Pune for genome sequencing
Andhra Covid deaths put states on alert; experts say no need for panic
After two Covid-19 deaths in Andhra Pradesh, neighbouring states have stepped up surveillance and testing, while health experts say current variants are mild and there is no need to panic
 "Andhra Covid deaths put states on alert; experts say no need for panic")
Scientists find new Covid-like virus in Thai bats with human infection risk
Researchers identified a sarbecovirus strain in Thai bats that may bind to human ACE2 receptors, though no human infections or community spread have been reported
 "Scientists find new Covid-like virus in Thai bats with human infection risk")
'Cicada' Covid variant BA.3.2 detected in 23 countries: What we know so far
A highly mutated Covid variant, 'Cicada', is now seen in over 20 countries, but experts say there is no need to panic as it has not been linked to more serious disease yet
 "'Cicada' Covid variant BA.3.2 detected in 23 countries: What we know so far")
One nasal spray vaccine may shield against colds, flu and allergies: Study
Early findings show a nasal spray vaccine may strengthen lung immunity against diverse pathogens, though human trials are still needed
 "One nasal spray vaccine may shield against colds, flu and allergies: Study")
Covid in pregnancy linked to higher autism, speech and motor delays: Study
Children born to mothers infected with Covid-19 during pregnancy faced a 29% higher chance of developing autism, speech and motor delays by age three, a major US study finds
 "Covid in pregnancy linked to higher autism, speech and motor delays: Study")
Homebound: The film pushes many buttons, and that keeps it from greatness
We don't remember Henry Fonda from the cinematic The Grapes of Wrath, nor Om Puri from Bhisham Sahni's Tamas (both excellent performances) but are awed by the films themselves
 "Homebound: The film pushes many buttons, and that keeps it from greatness")
Study shows Covid-19 in fathers may affect offspring's brain, cause anxiety
Analysis of RNA gene material from infected fathers' sperm showed altered molecules, including those involved in regulating genes known to be important for brain development
 "Study shows Covid-19 in fathers may affect offspring's brain, cause anxiety")
CDC stops recommending Covid-19 shots for all, leaves decision to patients
The government health agency on Monday announced it has adopted recommendations made last month by advisers picked by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr
 "CDC stops recommending Covid-19 shots for all, leaves decision to patients")
Man with HIV endured 2-year Covid infection, study reveals new record
A Lancet study documents a 41-year-old's persistent Covid infection lasting more than 750 days, raising concerns about viral evolution in immunocompromised patients
The Wisdom of Plagues: Book traces lessons not learned from pandemics
Covid-19 was the saddest pandemic NYT reporter Donald G McNeil ever covered. Now he shows how outbreaks like AIDS and Ebola foreshadowed the next in patterns, responses, and impact
 "The Wisdom of Plagues: Book traces lessons not learned from pandemics")
Could one mRNA therapy stop flu, Covid, and more? Scientists say yes
Inspired by a rare mutation that makes people virus-resistant, researchers have created an experimental mRNA nasal therapy that may offer broad protection against future outbreaks
 "Could one mRNA therapy stop flu, Covid, and more? Scientists say yes")
Trump admin ousts CDC Director Susan Monarez following vaccine clash
Monarez's ouster follows a confrontation she had on Monday with Kennedy, in which she pushed back against his vaccine stance
 "Trump admin ousts CDC Director Susan Monarez following vaccine clash")
Respiratory viruses like flu, coronavirus may trigger cancer relapse: Study
A new study reveals that respiratory infections like common flu and coronavirus can awaken dormant breast cancer cells in the lungs, raising concerns for survivors
 "Respiratory viruses like flu, coronavirus may trigger cancer relapse: Study")
Health ID - Digital, Secure, Inclusive
With a federated architecture, no health records will be stored in a central repository, reducing the risk of a single hacked server leading to leakages
 "Health ID - Digital, Secure, Inclusive")
Long-Covid, viruses: New research looks for links to chronic fatigue
Medically the symptoms are known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The World Health Organization classifies this as a post viral fatigue syndrome
 "Long-Covid, viruses: New research looks for links to chronic fatigue")
India resumes tourist visas for Chinese nationals after five-year freeze
The development marks a shift in the strained ties between the two countries, which are aiming to improve ties and ease tensions after Galwan clashes in 2020
 "India resumes tourist visas for Chinese nationals after five-year freeze")
Staying home during Covid to be treated as duty for trainees: Rail ministry
The ministry's circular came after one of the Zonal Railways unit sought to know whether the period spent at home during nationwide lockdown due to pandemic be considered as duty
 "Staying home during Covid to be treated as duty for trainees: Rail ministry")
No link between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden deaths, says health ministry
ICMR and Aiims studies find that genetics, lifestyle and post-Covid factors-not vaccines-are responsible for sudden deaths in young adults
 "No link between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden deaths, says health ministry")